Norwich risk being cut adrift as mad five minutes see Leeds edge Canaries
Goals by Raphinha and Rodrigo in a frantic five-minute second-half period earned Leeds a valuable three points from a 2-1 victory over Norwich in a lively game at Carrow Road.
The duo struck either side of Andrew Omobamidele’s equaliser to earn the Whites their second top-flight victory of the campaign. Both sides were in desperate need of the points after a poor run of form.
Daniel Farke responded to Norwich’s 7-0 mauling at the hands of Chelsea by making three changes to his starting XI. Dimitris Giannoulis and Pierre Lees-Melou were benched while Ben Gibson missed the match through suspension.
Kieran Dowell, Milot Rashica and 19-year-old Omobamidele were given the nod. Marcelo Bielsa made just one change from the side that drew 1-1 with Wolves last time out.
Kalvin Phillips came in for Mateusz Klich, who started on the bench. Norwich began the game bottom of the Premier League table while Leeds sat one place outside the relegation zone.
But it was the Canaries that looked more threatening early on. However, their hopes of an early penalty when the ball struck Daniel James’ hand were waved away by referee Anthony Taylor.
VAR confirmed the decision and soon the hosts were forced on the defensive. Jack Harrison found James but, after rounding Tim Krul, the Welshman’s effort was cleared off the line by Grant Hanley.
Teemu Pukki tried his luck from the edge of the box on 12 minutes but his effort flew just wide of the target. The game continued at a frenetic pace, with efforts at both ends.
Max Aarons claimed a penalty for Norwich when colliding with Diego Llorente midway through the first half but, again, nothing was given. Leeds continued to get into decent positions but lacked a cutting edge in front of goal.
And Llorente’s 38th-minute header failed to trouble Krul. Rodrigo finally got a shot on target as the first 45 minutes drew to a close but Krul was equal to his long-range effort.
The first half was high on desire and energy but low on quality as the sides headed into the break with nothing to show for their efforts.
Leeds double strike caps frantic five minutes
There were no changes at half-time but it took just 60 seconds for the first booking of the second period. Kenny McLean went into the referee’s notebook for a late challenge on Leeds keeper Illan Meslier.
The game desperately needed a goal and it duly came on 56 minutes as Leeds took the lead through Raphinha. The Brazilian winger cut inside, evaded two challenges before firing low into the back of the net.
RODRIGOOOOOOOO!!! THIS GAME!!! pic.twitter.com/skF3WMXyTl
— Leeds United (@LUFC) October 31, 2021
However, the visitors’ joy was short lived as Norwich were back on level terms two minutes later. Omobamidele rose to meet a corner and the 19-year-old powered his header past Meslier.
But the home faithful were soon silenced as Leeds nudged ahead once again within two minutes. Rodrigo received the ball after good work from Pascal Struijk and Phillips.
The Spaniard’s shot should have been saved but the ball crept under Krul’s outstretched arms.
Adam Idah replaced Josh Sergent up from as Daniel Farke urged his men forward for one last push. But they were unable to find a way through despite plenty of effort.
Leeds tried to end the game on the counter, with Raphinha at the heart of most things. But there were no further goals and it looks set to be a long winter for the East Anglians.
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